With a love for creativity, horses, and a lifelong interest in the medical field, Cristen Johnston said she found the field of Occupational Therapy (OT) an ideal career choice, as she valued the opportunity to help those suffering from debilitating conditions gain independence.

“When treating patients, I always tried to make things interesting,” said Johnston. “I was also drawn to the versatility of the field as you can work with such a wide range of people, from children to older adults, and treat different diagnoses, which keeps the work meaningful and dynamic,” she said.

Plans to start a family with her husband were accompanied by the vision of a career in the occupational therapy field and possibly incorporating a component of equine therapy into her practice, recalled Johnston, who shared how she found interactions with the gentle creatures healing to the mind, body, and spirit.

“When it comes to horses, I’ve wished to work with them in some way since I was a teenager. I didn’t grow up around them, but a few encounters made me fall in love,” said Johnston, who was thankful to embrace equine therapy as part of her Keiser University Daytona Beach Campus’ Associate of Science Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program’s clinical rotation assignments.

After graduating in 2017, relocating to New Jersey, and joining the OTA field as a professional, Johnston and her husband experienced incredible joy and gratitude as they welcomed their first child in 2022.

The occasion also presented an unbelievable challenge as Johnston experienced medical complications, which resulted in the loss of her right arm. Her extended hospital stay away from her new baby and the rehabilitation that followed were some of the most trying times of her life as she began to employ new ways to accomplish daily tasks while also gaining strength. “I can say with certainty that being a trained occupational therapy assistant definitely helped in my recovery. I knew all the ways to work with one hand, and I was able to come up with solutions and adaptations to the things that were and are difficult. The transition from two arms to one is draining physically and mentally, and I had to learn to give myself grace,” she shared.

Once home, Johnston was thankful to embrace motherhood.

“Coming home to my baby was the best feeling. I couldn’t wait to finally experience my newborn and everything that came along with this age,” she reflected while sharing that as she navigated motherhood, she also had to figure out her new way of life with one arm. “I had a lot of help from my family, and my OT brain helped me find ways to adapt to my son’s constant change in milestones,” added Johnston, who also leaned into her love of horses as she began to incorporate lifelong rehabilitation. “It was and continues to be a passion of mine. I’ve moved on to regular riding lessons and even leased a horse to ride on my own. I’m lucky that I have an amazing support system, and that includes some prior classmates,” she said.

The challenges and some of the perceptions she encountered as an amputee inspired Johnston to share her journey through the lenses of hope, resilience, and inclusion as she published her children’s book One Brave Arm in 2025. While introducing the reader to a spirited young girl who shows that having one arm doesn’t make her any less capable or fun-loving, the book highlights that it is the compassion, joy, and kindness we bring to the world that matters.

“My story isn’t just about loss – it’s about finding new ways to shine. And I hope this book helps others feel a little braver, too. I wanted to create something that would help children understand that different doesn’t mean less – and that you can still do incredible things, no matter what you’ve been through,” reflected Johnston. “It can be difficult to be in public and around children and adults who don’t know my story, and unfortunately, some children can be outwardly cruel. I want children to know that just because someone looks different doesn’t mean they are less, and that those differences don’t define them,” said Johnston, who plans to further share her stories, possibly as part of a series.

While reflecting on her journey, Johnston shared that she has embraced the lifelong process of navigating her role as a wife and mother through strength and purpose while also addressing the trauma that can still come and go.

“It was a life-altering moment that brought unimaginable challenges, but it also became the start of a powerful journey. Since then, I’ve come a long way – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve learned how strong I really am, how capable I can be, and how important it is to share that strength with others. To anyone going through something similar, give yourself grace, advocate for yourself with your medical providers, realize healing takes time, and things can be triggering, but you can get through it. Surround yourself with a great support system and don’t be afraid to try new things and ask for help,” she said.

About Keiser University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree

Keiser University’s Associate of Science Occupational Therapy Assistant degree prepares students to work as occupational therapy assistants under the direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people gain skills needed to become independent in daily living activities. Students learn the therapeutic use of occupations, which include self-care, work, and play/leisure activities, in order to maximize independent function, enhance development, prevent disability, and maintain health. Intervention strategies may include adaptations to a task or environment or compensatory approaches in order to facilitate clients’ achievement of maximum independence.

Transform Your Future at Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

• Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
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• A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years.

Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9  or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.

Keiser University Daytona Beach Campus Graduate Kristen Johnston and her One Brave Arm book